System and method using interaction token

ABSTRACT

A communication device may receive input from a user and initiate generation of an interaction token in response. This interaction token can be used by the communication device in order search for a specific resource provider computer from among one or more resource provider computers, and to initiate a resource transfer between the user and a specific resource provider, mediated by a token provider computer.

BACKGROUND

Interaction tokens are used by the payments industry to reduce fraud risk. For example, an interaction token can be a substitute for a primary account number (PAN). If the interaction token is stolen by an unauthorized person, then the underlying PAN is still safe and does not have to be replaced. Because they reduce fraud, interaction tokens improve user and merchant confidence in the security of payment systems.

Despite their strengths, interaction tokens still present fraud risks. Just as a fraudster can improperly obtain a PAN and use it to make illegitimate purchases, so too could a fraudster illegally acquire an interaction token and use it to make illegitimate purchases. As such, there is a need for additional security and fraud risk reduction.

Embodiments of the invention address these and other problems individually and collectively.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are directed to methods and systems for provisioning interaction tokens and initiating resource transfers.

One embodiment of the invention is directed to a method. The method comprises receiving, by a communication device operated by a user, user input data comprising a resource identifier for a resource, a time period to acquire the resource, and an interaction value; initiating, by the communication device, generation of an interaction token based at least upon the user input data; initiating, by the communication device, a search from among one or more resource provider computers for the resource over the time period, wherein the search selects a specific resource provider associated with a specific resource provider computer from among the one or more resource provider computers, the specific resource provider providing the resource at a specific value; determining whether the specific value is less than or equal to the interaction value; and initiating transmitting, by the communication device, the interaction token and a resource provider identifier for the specific resource provider computer to a token provider computer, wherein the token provider computer processes the transaction using the interaction token.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to the communication device configured or programmed to perform the above-noted method.

Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a method. The method comprises receiving, by a token provider computer from a communication device, an interaction token request message comprising user input data comprising a resource identifier for a resource, a time period to acquire the resource, and an interaction value; analyzing the user input data; determining, by the token provider computer, an interaction token based on the user input data; and transmitting, by the token provider computer, the interaction token to the communication device.

Further details regarding embodiments of the invention can be found in the Detailed Description and the Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a communication device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a token provider computer according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an authorizing entity computer according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a process flow diagram detailing how devices in a communication network may interact in order to enact a token provider mediated resource transfer according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In embodiments of the invention, a token provider computer may, in response to a message from a communication device operated by a user, generate an interaction token that has constraints associated with user input data in the message. The message may indicate that the requested interaction token is for the acquisition of some specific resource, is active or useful over a defined time period, and has a certain value. The token provider further may encrypt and transmit the interaction token to the user communication device. The interaction token may be subsequently used to conduct a transaction for the specific resource.

Prior to discussing specific embodiments of the invention, some terms may be described in detail.

A “user” can be a person or thing that employs some other thing for some purpose. A user may include an individual that may be associated with one or more personal accounts and/or mobile devices. The user may also be referred to as a cardholder, account holder, or consumer in some embodiments.

An “interaction” can be a reciprocal action, effect, or influence. An interaction, for example, could be an exchange or transaction between two or more parties.

A “value” can be some quantity that may be represented with numbers. An example of a value is a quantity such as a quantity of money.

An “interaction value” can be a quantity associated with an interaction. In some embodiments, an interaction value may be determined by a user, and may correspond to a preferred or maximum amount which the user is willing to expend to obtain a particular resource.

A “value reduction element” is something which serves to indicate a reduction in a particular value associated with a resource to be acquired. Examples of value reduction elements may include points, coupons, discounts, etc.

A “resource” is something that may be used by an entity or transferred between entities. Examples of resources include goods, services, information, and/or access to a restricted location.

A “resource identifier” may include an identifier for a particular resource. Examples of resource identifiers may include codes that identify resources, descriptions of resources, or any other data that identifies a resource.

An “interaction token” may be a substitute for a real credential. The interaction token can be used in an interaction between two entities. In some embodiments, an interaction token may be a substitute for a payment account number, such as a primary account number (PAN). For example, an interaction token may include a series of alphanumeric characters that may be used as a substitute for an original account identifier. For example, an interaction token “4900 0000 0000 0001” may be used in place of a PAN “4147 0900 0000 1234.” In some embodiments, an interaction token may be “format preserving” and may have a numeric format that conforms to the account identifiers used in existing transaction processing networks (e.g., ISO 8583 financial transaction message format).

“Tokenization” is a process by which data is replaced with substitute data. For example, a payment account identifier (e.g., a primary account number (PAN)) may be tokenized by replacing the primary account identifier with a substitute number (e.g., a token) that may be associated with the payment account identifier. Further, tokenization may be applied to any other information which may be replaced with a substitute value (i.e., a token).

A “token provider computer” can include a computer that that provides or services tokens. In some embodiments, a token provider computer can facilitate requesting, determining (e.g., generating) and/or issuing tokens, as well as maintaining an established mapping of tokens to credentials such as primary account numbers (PANs) in a repository (e.g., a token vault). In some embodiments, the token provider computer may establish a token assurance level for a given token to indicate the confidence level of the token to PAN binding. The token provider computer may include or be in communication with a token vault where the generated tokens are stored. The token provider computer may support token processing of payment transactions submitted using tokens by de-tokenizing the token to obtain the actual PAN.

A “token vault” may be an example of a token service and can include a repository that maintains established token mappings. It may be present in a token provider computer. According to various embodiments, the token vault may also maintain other attributes of the token requestor that may be determined at the time of registration. The attributes may be used by the token provider to apply domain restrictions or other controls during transaction processing. In some embodiments, the token vault may be a part of the token provider. Alternatively, the token vault may be a remote repository accessible to the token provider. Token vaults, due to the sensitive nature of the data mappings that are stored and managed in them, may be protected by strong underlying physical and logical security.

“Token exchange” or “de-tokenization” can include a process of restoring the data that was substituted during tokenization. For example, a token exchange may include replacing a payment token with a corresponding primary account number (PAN) that was associated with the payment token during tokenization of the PAN. Thus, the de-tokenization may refer to the process of redeeming a token for the associated PAN value based on a token-to-PAN mapping stored, for example, in a token vault. The ability to retrieve a PAN in exchange for the associated token may be restricted to specifically authorized entities, individuals, applications, or systems. Further, de-tokenization or token exchange may be applied to any other information. In some embodiments, token exchange may be achieved via a transactional message, such as an ISO message, an application programming interface (API), or another type of web interface (e.g., web request). Token exchange may also be achieved via a credential request message, whereby a requesting entity, which may be a token holder, makes a request to receive a PAN associated with a token.

A “communication device” may comprise any suitable device that can be used for communication. A communication device may provide remote or direct communication capabilities. Examples of remote communication capabilities include using a mobile phone (wireless) network, wireless data network (e.g., 3G, 4G or similar networks), Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, or any other communication medium that may provide access to a network such as the Internet or a private network. Examples of communication devices include desktop computers, videogame consoles, mobile phones (e.g., cellular phones), PDAs, tablet computers, net books, laptop computers, personal music players, hand-held specialized readers, etc. Further examples of communication devices include wearable devices, such as smart watches, fitness bands, ankle bracelets, rings, earrings, etc., as well as automobiles with remote or direct communication capabilities. A communication device may comprise any suitable hardware and software for performing such functions, and may also include multiple devices or components (e.g., when a device has remote access to a network by tethering to another device—i.e., using the other device as a modem—both devices taken together may be considered a single communication device).

A “resource provider” may be an entity that can provide resources. Examples of resource providers include merchants, governmental agencies, etc.

A “merchant” may typically be an entity that engages in transactions and can sell goods or services, or provide access to goods or services.

An “acquiring entity” is an entity which can come into possession of something. An acquiring entity may be a business entity (e.g., a commercial bank) that has a business relationship with a particular merchant or other entity. An acquiring entity may operate an acquiring entity computer, which may be generically referred to as a “transport computer.”

An “authorizing entity” is an entity which can authorize or approve interactions. An authorizing entity may typically refer to a business entity (e.g., a bank) that maintains an account for a user and is capable of authorizing interactions such as payment transactions, for example the purchase of goods or services.

An “authorization request message” may be an electronic message that requests authorization for a transaction. In some embodiments, it is sent to a transaction processing computer and/or an issuer of a payment card to request authorization for a transaction. An authorization request message according to some embodiments may comply with ISO 8583, which is a standard for systems that exchange electronic transaction information associated with a payment made by a user using a payment device or payment account. The authorization request message may include an issuer account identifier that may be associated with a payment device or payment account. An authorization request message may also comprise additional data elements corresponding to “identification information” including, by way of example only: a service code, a CVV (card verification value), a dCVV (dynamic card verification value), a PAN (primary account number or “account number”), a payment token, a user name, an expiration date, etc. An authorization request message may also comprise “transaction information,” such as any information associated with a current transaction, such as the transaction amount, merchant identifier, merchant location, acquirer bank identification number (BIN), card acceptor ID, information identifying items being purchased, etc., as well as any other information that may be utilized in determining whether to identify and/or authorize a transaction.

An “authorization response message” may be a message that responds to an authorization request. In some cases, it may be an electronic message reply to an authorization request message generated by an issuing financial institution or a transaction processing computer. The authorization response message may include, by way of example only, one or more of the following status indicators: Approval—transaction was approved; Decline—transaction was not approved; or Call Center—response pending more information, merchant must call the toll-free authorization phone number. The authorization response message may also include an authorization code, which may be a code that a credit card issuing bank returns in response to an authorization request message in an electronic message (either directly or through the transaction processing computer) to the merchant's access device (e.g., POS equipment) that indicates approval of the transaction. The code may serve as proof of authorization.

A “server computer” may include a powerful computer or cluster of computers. For example, the server computer can be a large mainframe, a minicomputer cluster, or a group of servers functioning as a unit. In one example, the server computer may be a database server coupled to a Web server. The server computer may comprise one or more computational apparatuses and may use any of a variety of computing structures, arrangements, and compilations for servicing the requests from one or more client computers.

A “memory” may be any suitable device or devices that can store electronic data. A suitable memory may comprise a non-transitory computer readable medium that stores instructions that can be executed by a processor to implement a desired method. Examples of memories may comprise one or more memory chips, disk drives, etc. Such memories may operate using any suitable electrical, optical, and/or magnetic mode of operation.

A “processor” may refer to any suitable data computation device or devices. A processor may comprise one or more microprocessors working together to accomplish a desired function. The processor may include a CPU that comprises at least one high-speed data processor adequate to execute program components for executing user and/or system-generated requests. The CPU may be a microprocessor such as AMD's Athlon, Duron and/or Opteron; IBM and/or Motorola's PowerPC; IBM's and Sony's Cell processor; Intel's Celeron, Itanium, Pentium, Xeon, and/or XScale; and/or the like processor(s).

FIG. 1 shows a system 100 comprising a number of components. The system 100 comprises a communication device 104 operated by a user 102 as well as a token provider computer 106, an authorizing entity computer 108, a transport computer 110, a content provider computer 112, and one or more resource provider computers 114. All of these entities, providers, and devices may be in operative communication with each other over a communications network 116.

This communications network can take the form of any suitable communication network, which may be any one and/or the combination of the following: a direct interconnection; the Internet; a Local Area Network (LAN); a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN); an Operating Missions as Nodes on the Internet (OMNI); a secured custom connection; a Wide Area Network (WAN); a wireless network (e.g., employing protocols such as, but not limited to a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), I-mode, and/or the like); and/or the like.

Messages between the entities, providers, networks, and devices may be transmitted using a secure communications protocols such as, but not limited to, File Transfer Protocol (FTP); HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP); Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Socket Layer (SSL), ISO (e.g., ISO 8583) and/or the like.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a communication device 104 according to some embodiments of the invention. Communication device 104 may include circuitry that is used to enable certain device functions, such as telephony. The functional elements responsible for enabling those functions may include a processor 104A that can execute instructions that implement the functions and operations of the device. Processor 104A may access data storage 104E (or another suitable memory region or element) to retrieve instructions or data used in executing the instructions, such as provisioning scripts and mobile applications. Data input/output elements 104C, such as a keyboard or touchscreen, may be used to enable a user to operate the communication device 104 and input data (e.g., user input data). Data input/output elements may also be configured to output data (via a speaker, for example). Display 104B may also be used to output data to a user. Communications element 104D may be used to enable data transfer between communication device 104 and a wired or wireless network (via antenna 104H, for example), enable data transfer functions, and may be used to assist in connectivity to the Internet or another network. Communication device 104 may also include contactless element interface 104F to enable data transfer between contactless element 104G and other elements of the device, where contactless element 104G may include a secure memory and a near field communications data transfer element (or another form of short range communications technology). As noted, a cellular phone or similar device is an example of a communication device 104 that may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

The data storage 140E may comprise a computer readable medium comprising code, executable by the processor 104A to implement a method comprising: initiating generation of an interaction token based at least upon the user input data; initiating a search from among one or more resource provider computers for the resource over the time period, wherein the search selects a specific resource provider associated with a specific resource provider computer from among the one or more resource provider computers, the specific resource provider providing the resource at a specific value; determining whether the specific value is less than or equal to the interaction value; and initiating transmitting the interaction token and a resource provider identifier for the specific resource provider computer to a token provider computer, wherein the token provider computer processes the transaction using the interaction token.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram showing basic components that may reside in an exemplary token provider computer 106. The token provider computer 106 may form part of a payment processing network in some embodiments of the invention. The token provider computer 106 comprises a processor 106A, a network interface 106B, an interaction token database 106C, and a computer readable medium 106D.

The computer readable medium 106D may comprise an interaction token generation module 106E, an interaction token association module 106F, a provisioning module 106G, and a communication module 106H. It may also comprise code, executable by the processor 106A for implementing a method comprising: receiving, by a token provider computer from a communication device, an interaction token request message comprising user input data comprising a resource identifier for a resource, a time period to acquire the resource, and an interaction value; analyzing the user input data; determining, by the token provider computer, an interaction token based on the user input data; and transmitting, by the token provider computer, the interaction token to the communication device.

The interaction token generation module 106E may comprise code that causes the processor 106A to generate an interaction token. In some embodiments, the interaction token may include 16 digits and may resemble a PAN.

The interaction token association module 106F may comprise code that causes the processor 106A to associate an interaction token with other user data (e.g., e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, primary account numbers, etc.). For example, the interaction token association module 106F may contain logic that causes the processor 106A to link a generated interaction token with received user input data, and to store the information in the interaction token database 106C.

The provisioning module 106G may comprise code that causes the processor 106A to provision interaction tokens. For example, the provisioning module 106G may contain logic that causes the processor 106A to generate provisioning scripts, and to provide the provisioning scripts, an interaction token, and any other suitable information to a communication device.

The communication module 106H may comprise code that causes the processor 106A to generates messages, reformat messages, and/or otherwise communicate with other entities. For example, the communication module 106H may contain logic that causes the processor 106A to identify an interaction token in a received authorization request message, reformat the authorization request message so that the interaction token is replaced with a user identifier, and forward the authorization request message to an authorization entity computer.

A block diagram of an authorizing entity computer 108, according to some embodiments of the invention, is shown in FIG. 4. The authorizing entity 108 comprises a processor 108A, a network interface 108B, an identifier database 108C, and a computer readable medium 108D.

The computer readable medium 108D may comprise a de-tokenization module 108E, a communication module 108F, an authorization module 108G, a risk analysis module 108H, an encryption module 108I, and any other suitable software modules.

The de-tokenization module 108E may comprise code that causes the processor 108A to de-tokenize interaction tokens. For example, the de-tokenization module 108E may contain logic that causes the processor 108A to identify real credentials associated with an interaction token, such as a PAN. In some embodiments, the de-tokenization module 108E may be able to query a token provider computer for real credentials associated with an interaction token.

The communication module 108F may comprise code that causes the processor 108A to generate messages, reformat messages, and/or otherwise communicate with other entities.

The authorization module 108G may comprise code that causes the processor 108A to perform authorization processing. For example, the authorization module 108G may contain logic that causes the processor 108A to approve or decline authorization request messages.

The risk analysis module 108H may comprise code that causes the processor 108A to analyze the risk of a transaction or the risk of providing an interaction token to a particular communication device. For example, the risk analysis module 108H may contain logic that causes the processor 108A to determine risk levels associated with de-tokenizing an interaction token, authorizing an interaction token, and/or authorizing an interaction.

The encryption module 108I may comprise code that causes the processor 110A to encrypt data. For example, the encryption module 108I may contain logic that causes the processor 108A to encrypt a real credential (e.g., a PAN).

A method 800 according to embodiments of the invention can be described with respect to FIGS. 5A and 5B. Some elements in other Figures are also referred to. The steps shown in the method 800 may be performed sequentially or in any suitable order in embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, one or more of the steps may be optional.

The various messages in FIGS. 5A and 5B may use any suitable form of communication. In some embodiments, a request or response may be in an electronic message format, such as an e-mail, a short messaging service (SMS) message, a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message, a hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) request message, a transmission control protocol (TCP) packet, and a web form submission. The request or response may be directed to any suitable location, such as an e-mail address, a telephone number, an internet protocol (IP) address, or a uniform resource locator (URL). In some embodiments, a request or response may comprise a mix of different message types, such as both email and SMS messages.

At step S1, the user 102 may input user input data into a communication device 104. The user input data may include one or more of the following: a user identifier, a resource identifier, an interaction value, an interaction value threshold, a time period in which to acquire that resource, and/or a list of resource providers. For example, a user 102 may input a phone number such as “451-999-9999” and/or an account identifier (e.g., a credit card number) as one or more user identifiers, a “wireless speaker” as a resource identifier, an amount of money, such as “$100.00,” that the user 102 is willing to pay for the resource as an interaction value, an amount of money such as “$10.00” as an interaction value threshold, a time period such as “7 days,” and a list of merchants such as “Best Buy™, Fry's Electronics™, and Walmart™” as the list of potential resource providers.

The interaction value may indicate the preferred value the user 102 associates with the selected resource. The interaction value threshold may indicate any additional value, which the user may be willing to provide for the resource. Illustratively, a user 102 may input a resource identifier such as “wireless speaker,” an interaction value of “$100.00” and an interaction value threshold of “$10.00” into the communication device 104. This may indicate that the user 102 is willing to pay $100.00 for a wireless speaker, and under certain circumstances, may be willing to pay up to $110.00 (the sum of the interaction value and threshold) for the wireless speaker. By implication, the user 102 is unwilling to pay more than $110.00 for the wireless speaker.

At step S2, the communication device 104 may transmit a request for an interaction token and the user information (e.g., an e-mail address) to a token provider computer 106. The request will initiate the interaction token generation process. This request may include the user input data from step S1.

In some embodiments, at step S3, after receiving and analyzing the request and user input data from the communication device 104, the token provider computer 106 may transmit a token approval request message to an authorizing entity computer 108. The authorizing entity computer 108 may hold a real account with funds that can be held by the user 102, and that may be used to fund the interaction token. The token approval request message could include the user input data, including a real credential (e.g., a PAN) transmitted in step S2. In other embodiments, an alias for the real credential is sent instead of the real credential. The alias for the real credential may be used to identify the real credential, which may be stored at the authorizing entity computer 108.

At step S4, after receiving the token approval request message, the authorizing entity computer 108 may review the user input data in the token approval request message. This may involve the authorizing entity computer 108 evaluating the token approval request message using its processor 108A, its identifier database 108C, and the modules stored on its computer readable medium 108D. More specifically, the authorizing entity computer 108 may compare the one or more user identifiers (e.g., a real credential such as a PAN, a phone number, etc.) received in the token approval request message to user identifiers stored in the identifier database 108C to determine if the received one or more user identifiers matches an existing record in the identifier database 108C. The authorizing entity computer 108 may further analyze the user input data using its risk analysis module 108H. For example, the identified resource and interaction value in the token approval request message may be compared to data from the user's previous purchases. If the interaction value is uncharacteristically high relative to the user's past purchases, or if the resource is an uncharacteristic purchase for the user 102, then the authorizing entity computer 108 may flag the interaction as suspicious, and may then decline the token approval request message.

In addition, the authorizing entity computer 108 may determine if the authorizing entity computer 108 has sufficient funds to fund the requested interaction token. If the user input data includes an account number such as a credit or debit card account number, the authorizing entity computer 108 may determine if the user's account has sufficient funds or credit to fund the obligation for the interaction token. If there are sufficient funds or credit in the user's account, then a hold may be placed on the user's account for the value of the interaction token, plus any additional threshold amount.

Step S4 may further involve the authorizing entity computer 108 searching the identifier database 108C for any value reduction elements associated with the user identifier. These value reduction elements could correspond to rewards, coupons, or loyalty points associated with the user's account. Information regarding any such value reduction elements may then be transmitted from the authorizing entity computer 108 to the token provider computer 106. If the value reduction elements are points offered by the authorizing entity computer 108, the value of the interaction token could be raised by the token provider computer 108, since any transaction conducted could use those points as currency. For example, a value reduction element such as loyalty points with value totaling $10.00 could be used to increase the value of an interaction token from $100.00 to $110.00

At step S5, after the authorizing entity computer 108 analyzes the user input data, the authorizing entity computer 108 may transmit the token approval response message to the token provider computer 106. After receiving the token approval response message, the token provider computer 106 may generate an interaction token if the authorizing entity computer 108 approves.

The authorizing entity computer 108 may place a hold on the user's account for the value of the interaction token approved by the authorizing entity computer 108. For example, if the account of the user has a $1000 credit availability, then the credit availability may be decreased by $100 to $900 to account for the value of the interaction token that was approved by the authorizing entity computer 108.

At step S6, the token provider computer 106, having received the token approval response message, can encrypt the generated interaction token before transmitting it to the communication device 104. The encryption key that is used to encrypted the interaction token may be a symmetric key shared with the communication device 104, or a public key of a public-private key pair, where the communication device 104 holds the public key. In some embodiments, the symmetric key may be derived from information associated with the user 102 (e.g., account information associated with the user). In this case, the actual symmetric keys need not be transported between the communication device 104 and the token provider computer 106, but may be independently derived by these devices.

At step S7, the token provider computer 106 may transmit the encrypted interaction token to the communication device 104. Then, at step S8, the communication device 104 may store the interaction token in its memory 104E or its secure memory element 104G.

At step S9, the communication device 104 may transmit a request for further value reduction elements to the content provider computer 112, or any other content provider computers. This request may include some of the user input data, such as the identification of the resource to be acquired and the user provided list of resource providers, as well as the predetermined list of resource providers. Examples of content providers that might operate the content provider computer 112 may include coupon aggregators such as Groupon™, merchants such as Walmart™, and/or product manufacturers such as Lenovo™. These additional value reduction elements may be used to reduce the price of the resource to be obtained. The may be submitted to the resource provider computer 114 in a transaction request message, and the resource provider computer 114 may apply the value reduction to the purchase price of the resource.

At step S10, the content provider computer 112 may search through the content database 112C for value reduction elements based on the request for value reduction elements. This search may involve querying the content database 112C using a relational or SQL-style query, or any other query method which may provide data which meets a certain set of characteristics or conditions. Such value reduction elements may take the form of coupon codes, discounts, or temporary price changes such as sales.

At step S11, the content provider computer 112 may transmit an indication of any additional value reduction elements to the communication device 104. This indication may include any sort of code or identifier which is associated with the additional value reduction elements, or a message indicating an assurance that value reduction elements exist. For example, a resource provider, such as an online merchant, may have a coupon code such as “1094014.” The content provider 112 may transmit this code and a merchant or resource identifier to the communication device 104. In some cases, there may be a value reduction element that will be passively applied to the resource transfer. As an example, a merchant may have a 25% off sale. In this case, the content provider 112 may transmit a message to the communication device 104 which indicates that a value reduction element of 25% exists.

At step S12, the communication device 104 may store value reduction elements that it may have received in step S11 in a memory element in the communication device 104. As an example, if the user 102 obtained a value reduction element such as a coupon for “$10.00” off of the resource to be acquired, then the processor 104A may store the coupon in memory such that it may be applied later when the purchasing decision has been made by the communication device 104.

At step S13, the communication device 104 may search for a specific resource provider from among the resource providers operating the resource provider computers 114 to obtain the desired resource. For example, the communication device 104 may perform a Web search using a search engine in order to determine the specific resource provider. The communication device 104 may also, over the communication network 116, directly communicate with the resource providers 114 and query them for information appropriate to the search.

As an example, consider a resource such as a “wireless speaker,” an interaction value of “$100.00,” and an interaction value threshold of “$10.00.” The search of step S13 may involve the communication device 104 searching using a search engine, or by directly querying each merchant from among a list of merchants for a “wireless speaker” which costs less than “$110.00” (the sum of the interaction value and interaction value threshold), and which ideally costs less than “$100.00” (the interaction value). The merchants may respond by transmitting the price (a specific value) at which they are willing to provide the resource to the user 102.

At step S14 the communication device 104 may evaluate the results of the search in order to determine a specific resource provider from among the resource providers operating the resource provider computers 114. This may involve the communication device 104 performing a logical operation, using the processor 104A, which selects a specific resource provider based on the interaction value, interaction value threshold, and the results of the search.

In some embodiments, the communication device 104 may first compare each of the specific values produced by the search of step S13 in order to find the lowest value among the specific values. The communication device 104 may then determine if the specific value is less than the interaction value, or if not, if the specific value is less than the sum of the interaction value and the interaction value threshold. The communication device 104 may also take into account other factors such as delivery time when deciding on which resource provider to select.

The communication device 104 may proceed differently depending on the results of the evaluation of step S14. For example, if the communication device 104 determines that the lowest specific value resource provider is willing to provide the resource at a specific value less than the interaction value, then the communication device 104 may conclude that it is appropriate to initiate a resource transfer between the user 102 and the specific resource provider. If the communication device 104 determines that lowest specific value resource provider is willing to provide the resource at a specific value less than the sum of the interaction value and the interaction value threshold, but greater than the interaction value itself, the communication device 104 may conclude that it is appropriate to seek approval for the resource transfer from the user 102. If the communication device 104 determines that the lowest specific value resource provider is unwilling to provide the resource at a specific value less than the sum of the interaction value and the interaction value threshold, then the communication device 104 may conclude that it is not possible at this time to proceed with a resource transfer.

If the communication device 104 determines that it is not possible to proceed with a resource transfer, it may evaluate the time limit input by the user 102. This evaluation might involve using the communication device processor 104A to determine the difference between the current time and the time when the user input was received (the “elapsed time”). This difference may be compared to the time limit provided with the user input. If the elapsed time exceeds the time limit, the communication device 104 may determine that the interaction token has exceeded its lifespan and can no longer be used to purchase the desired resource. If this is the case, the communication device 104 may not need to proceed with steps S15-S31. If the communication device 104 determines that the elapsed time does not exceed the time limit, it may repeat the search process of step S13 and the evaluation process of step S14 until the elapsed time exceeds the time limit specified by the user.

At step S15, the communication device 104 make a request to the user 102 based on the results of the evaluation performed at step S14. If the search and evaluation resulted in selecting a resource provider willing to provide the resource at a value less than the interaction value, the message may simply indicate to the user 102 that a resource transfer, using the interaction token, is being conducted with the identified resource provider on their behalf at a specific price. This message may be displayed to the user 102 as text or images on the communication device display 104B, or communicated to the user 102 via another appropriate method.

If the communication device 104 determined that the specific resource provider is willing to provide the resource for a specific value greater than the interaction value, but less than the sum of the interaction value and the threshold value, then the communication device 104 may request that the user 102 approve of the resource transfer.

At step S16, the user 102 may input a reply to the message into the communication device 104. As an example, if the communication device 104 transmitted a message requesting approval for the resource transfer, the user 102 may use the communication device data input/output 104C in order to indicate approval of the resource transfer. This could be accomplished using any appropriate user input device, such as buttons, a touch screen, or a keyboard.

At step S17 the communication device 104 may transmit a transaction request message, which includes the interaction token, to the specific resource provider computer 114. The transaction request message may also comprise any obtained value reduction elements that may be appropriately passed to the resource provider computer 114. The transaction request message may indicate to the specific resource provider associated with the resource provider computer 114 that the user 102 wishes to acquire the resource and wishes to provide the interaction token to pay for the resource. In some embodiments, the interaction token may be a 16 digit ISO 8583 compliant interaction token. As an illustration, the transaction request message may indicate that the user 102, a consumer, wishes to purchase a resource such as a wireless speaker, and is providing the interaction token as a payment credential. The transaction request message may also comprise a shipping address of the user 102, and any other pertinent information necessary to complete the transfer of the desired resource.

At step S18, after the resource provider computer 114 receives the transaction request message, the specific resource provider associated with the resource provider computer 114 may evaluate the message. In some embodiments, the resource provider computer 114 may generate an authorization request message comprising the interaction token and the amount of the resource to be acquired.

At step S19, the resource provider computer 114 may transmit the authorization request message to the transport computer 110. At step S20, the transport computer 110 may evaluate the message sent from the resource provider computer 114, and may route it to the token provider computer 106.

At step S21, the transport computer 110 may transmit the authorization request message to the token provider computer 106. At step S22, after the authorization request message is received by the token provider computer 106, the token provider computer 106 may de-tokenize the received interaction token in order to determine the real account credential (e.g., a PAN) 108 associated with the interaction token. This may involve querying the interaction token database 106C for data entries matching the provided interaction token. The token provider computer 106 may also check to see if the transaction that is being conducted is consistent with the constraints set for the interaction token. For instance, if the interaction token is authorized for a specific dollar limit, then the token provider computer 106 may compare the transaction amount in the authorization request message with the dollar limit used to generate the interaction token. If the transaction is not consistent with the interaction token constraints, the token provider computer 106 may decline the transaction and may communicate this to the transport computer 110 and the resource provider computer 114.

At step S23, if the interaction token satisfies the constraints for the interaction token, the token provider computer 106 may modify the authorization request message to include the real credential, rather than the interaction token. The modified authorization request message may then be sent to the authorizing entity computer 108.

At step S24, after receiving the modified authorization request message, the authorizing entity computer 108 may determine whether or not the transaction is authorized. It may, for example, check to see if the account balance or available credit limit of the account associated with the real credential is greater than the transaction amount in the authorization request message. It may also perform fraud checks and other transaction analyses.

At step S25 the authorizing entity computer 108 may generate and transmit an authorization response message to the token provider computer 106.

At step S26, after receiving the authorization response message from the authorizing entity computer, the token provider computer 106 may transmit the authorization response message to the transport computer 110. In some embodiments, the real credential in the authorization response message may be replaced with the interaction token by the token provider computer 106, before it is forwarded on to the transport computer 110.

At step S27, the transport computer 110 may determine which resource provider computer 114 is associated with the authorization response message. At step S28, the transport computer 110 may transmit the authorization response message to the resource provider computer 114.

At step S29, the specific resource provider associated with the resource provider computer 114 may initiate transfer of the resource to the user 102. For example, if the resource provider is an online merchant, and the resource is a good such as a wireless speaker, the merchant may begin the process of shipping the good to the user 102.

At a later point in time, a settlement and clearing process may occur between the authorizing entity computer 108, the transport computer 110, and an intermediate payment processing network. The payment processing network may operate or contain the token provider computer 106.

Embodiments of the invention have a number of advantages. As stated previously, conventional interaction token systems could be improved to be more secure, more economical, and more convenient to consumers.

Embodiments of the invention provide for interaction tokens that have a narrow token-domain. They have a defined resource to be acquired, value, and time limit. If a hacker, malicious user, or thief somehow illegally acquires an interaction token according to embodiments of the invention, they have a finite amount of time to purchase the good the user wishes to purchase, at the price set by the user, for the user. This is a considerable advantage over conventional token schemes, where tokens can be used as a direct substitute for a PAN and could be used for potentially any purchase.

Additionally, embodiments of the invention provide for additional convenience to users by initiating resource transfers automatically. With embodiments of the invention, a user does not need to actively search through dozens of resource providers to find the resource they need at a price they are willing to pay. They can simply input the resource, a time limit, and an interaction value into a communication device. The communication device can then automatically and continuously search for the resource and automatically initiate a resource transfer when it is found. This reduces the time and energy necessary to acquire resources.

A computer system will now be described that may be used to implement any of the entities or components described herein. Subsystems in the computer system are interconnected via a system bus. Additional subsystems include a printer, a keyboard, a fixed disk, and a monitor which can be coupled to a display adapter. Peripherals and input/output (I/O) devices, which can couple to an I/O controller, can be connected to the computer system by any number of means known in the art, such as a serial port. For example, a serial port or external interface can be used to connect the computer apparatus to a wide area network such as the Internet, a mouse input device, or a scanner. The interconnection via system bus allows the central processor to communicate with each subsystem and to control the execution of instructions from system memory or the fixed disk, as well as the exchange of information between subsystems. The system memory and/or the fixed disk may embody a computer-readable medium.

As described, the inventive service may involve implementing one or more functions, processes, operations or method steps. In some embodiments, the functions, processes, operations or method steps may be implemented as a result of the execution of a set of instructions or software code by a suitably-programmed computing device, microprocessor, data processor, or the like. The set of instructions or software code may be stored in a memory or other form of data storage element which is accessed by the computing device, microprocessor, etc. In other embodiments, the functions, processes, operations or method steps may be implemented by firmware or a dedicated processor, integrated circuit, etc.

Any of the software components or functions described in this application may be implemented as software code to be executed by a processor using any suitable computer language such as, for example, Java, C++ or Perl using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instructions, or commands on a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as a hard-drive or a floppy disk, or an optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer-readable medium may reside on or within a single computational apparatus, and may be present on or within different computational apparatuses within a system or network.

While certain exemplary embodiments have been described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of and not intended to be restrictive of the broad invention, and that this invention is not to be limited to the specific arrangements and constructions shown and described, since various other modifications may occur to those with ordinary skill in the art.

As used herein, the use of “a”, “an” or “the” is intended to mean “at least one”, unless specifically indicated to the contrary. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving, by a communication device operated by a user, user input data comprising one or more user identifiers, a resource identifier for a resource, a time period to acquire the resource, and an interaction value; initiating, by the communication device, generation of an interaction token based at least upon the user input data, wherein the generation of the interaction token comprises: determining a user account associated with the user based on the one or more user identifiers, initiating placement of a hold for funds on the user account for the interaction value and a threshold value, and generating the interaction token to correspond with the interaction value, the threshold value, and the time period to acquire the resource; initiating, by the communication device, a search from among one or more resource provider computers for the resource over the time period, wherein the search selects a specific resource provider associated with a specific resource provider computer from among the one or more resource provider computers, the specific resource provider providing the resource at a specific value, and wherein the search for the resource over the time period includes an elapsed time period and a second time period to identify the specific resource provider, wherein the elapsed time period includes a difference between a current time and a time that the user input data was received by the communication device; determining whether the specific value is less than or equal to the interaction value and the threshold value; transmitting, by the communication device and to a content provider, a request for value reduction elements that can be applied to the resource, the request including the resource and a user provided list of resource providers including the specific resource provider; receiving, by the communication device and from the content provider, a response including the value reduction elements; initiating transmitting, by the communication device, the interaction token to the specific resource provider computer associated with the specific resource provider, wherein the specific resource provider computer processes a transaction using the interaction token; and providing, by the communication device, the value reduction elements to the specific resource provider.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: upon providing, by the communication device, an identification of the resource to be acquired and the interaction token to the specific resource provider computer, initiating, by the specific resource provider, a transfer of the resource to be acquired to the user.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the interaction token is a substitute for a real credential.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the communication device is a mobile phone.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the interaction token is a sixteen digit number.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the specific value is less than or equal to the interaction value comprises determining that the specific value is less than or equal to the interaction value.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the specific value is less than or equal to the interaction value comprises determining that the specific value is not less than or equal to the interaction value, but is less than the interaction value and the threshold value, and wherein the method further comprises: requesting, by the communication device, approval for the transaction for the resource at the specific value; and receiving, by the communication device, the approval from the user to conduct the transaction at the specific value.
 8. A communication device comprising: a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium coupled to the processor, the non-transitory computer readable medium comprising code executable by the processor for implementing a method comprising: receiving user input data comprising one or more user identifiers, a resource identifier for a resource, a time period to acquire the resource, and an interaction value; initiating generation of an interaction token based at least upon the user input data, wherein the generation of the interaction token comprises: determining a user account associated with a user based on the one or more user identifiers, initiating placement of a hold for funds on the user account for the interaction value and a threshold value, and generating the interaction token to correspond with the interaction value, the threshold value, and the time period to acquire the resource; initiating a search from among one or more resource provider computers for the resource over the time period, wherein the search selects a specific resource provider associated with a specific resource provider computer from among the one or more resource provider computers, the specific resource provider providing the resource at a specific value, and wherein the search for the resource over the time period includes an elapsed time period and a second time period to identify the specific resource provider, wherein the elapsed time period includes a difference between a current time and a time that the user input data was received by the communication device; determining whether the specific value is less than or equal to the interaction value and the threshold value; transmitting to a content provider a request for value reduction elements that can be applied to the resource, the request including the resource and a user provided list of resource providers including the specific resource provider; and receiving, from the content provider, a response including the value reduction elements; initiating transmitting the interaction token to the specific resource provider computer associated with the specific resource provider, wherein the specific resource provider computer processes a transaction using the interaction token; and providing the value reduction elements to the specific resource provider.
 9. The communication device of claim 8, wherein the method further comprises: upon providing an identification of the resource to be acquired and a user identification to the specific resource provider computer, initiating, by the specific resource provider, a transfer of the resource to be acquired to the user.
 10. The communication device of claim 8, wherein the interaction token is a substitute for a real credential.
 11. The communication device of claim 8, wherein the communication device is a mobile phone.
 12. The communication device of claim 8 further comprising a secure memory capable of storing the interaction token.
 13. The communication device of claim 8, wherein the interaction token is a 16 digit number. 